One of northern Sydney’s most beloved cultural institutions is preparing to close its doors after nearly four decades. The Old Manly Boatshed, known affectionately as “The Boaty,” will serve its final drinks and host its last shows in mid-September, marking the end of a venue that has become synonymous with Manly’s nightlife.
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Owners Goff Burgess and Grant McMinn opened the Boatshed in 1987, transforming a Darley Road space into a restaurant, bar and live music hub. Over time, the venue expanded, literally, with the digging of a tunnel that created the layout familiar to generations of locals.
What began as a humble venture grew into Manly’s longest-running live music stage and Australia’s longest-running comedy venue, cementing its place in the nation’s entertainment history.
Announcing the closure, Burgess said it was “with deep sadness and regret” that the Boatshed would shut down “due to circumstances beyond our control.” He described the news as a shock but emphasised the legacy of live entertainment, community and creativity that the venue leaves behind.
In a farewell message posted on the venue’s social media page, the owners invited patrons to celebrate together before the final curtain falls:
“Please come down and join us before the final curtain is drawn in mid-September, to celebrate together. Let’s mark the end of an era with unforgettable nights of music, laughter, and friendship that made The Boaty what it has always been. We will… carry The Boaty’s spirit into the next chapter of Manly’s story.”
For many, the closure represents more than the loss of a venue—it is the end of a cultural landmark. Patrons have flooded social media with tributes, reflecting on the Boatshed’s role as a gathering place for all walks of life.
“The Boatshed is such a Manly institution, it’s so sad to see it go, one of the only remaining venues that had a soul and has not been gentrified. That’s why we all loved it. Such a leveller and patrons from all ages,” one commented.
Another wrote: “Thank you Goff for what you gave so many people over so many years. Plenty of memories, and nights we can’t remember, but they were all great. A huge loss for live music and good vibes.”
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As Manly prepares to bid farewell, the Boatshed’s legacy will endure in the memories of countless performances, late-night laughs, and friendships forged under its roof. For many, the “Boaty” was never just a venue—it was part of the soul of Manly itself.
Published 29-August-2025
